Occluding catheter for prevention of stroke

ABSTRACT

An occluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow through right and left carotid arteries is provided. The occluding catheter includes a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft. The proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery. A distal occluding balloon is carried by the shaft and is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by the proximal occluding balloon. The shaft has a segment that is located between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon. Also provided is an alternative arrangement with a single occluding balloon, and an associated method of diverting emboli from cerebral circulation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of and claims the benefitof U.S. application Ser. No. 13/918,492 filed on Jun. 14, 2013 andentitled “Occluding Catheter and Method for Prevention of Stroke” thatissued on Nov. 22, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,225. U.S. Pat. No.9,498,225 claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/668,980filed on Jul. 6, 2012 and entitled, “Device and method of prevention ofembolic stroke.” U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/668,980, U.S. ApplicationSer. No. 61/668,980, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,225 are incorporated byreference herein in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for theprevention of stroke. More particularly, the present applicationinvolves an occluding catheter that has at least one balloon that isinserted into the circulatory system of the patient to block blood flowand hence emboli through the carotid arteries and if needed subclavianarteries during performance of an emboligenic procedure to preventemboli from passing through the carotid arteries and subclavian arteriesand causing stroke.

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative embolic stroke is one of the most dreadful complicationsof cardiac, aortic and vascular procedures, diagnosed in 1-22% ofpatients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Even more frequently, in upto 70% of cases, patients undergoing heart, valve, coronary arterybypass and aortic surgery experience subclinical embolic events asrecorded by transcranial Doppler and MRI. These embolic events lead tocognitive impairment and disability and have a significant impact onpatients' recovery.

The main sources of cerebral emboli and stroke in this setting reside inthe heart, heart valves, thoracic aorta, and great vessels when thesestructures are intervened thereon. Even simple cardiac catheterizationwith an endovascular catheter can induce microtrauma of theatherosclerotic thoracic aorta leading to formation of embolic particleswith subsequent embolic brain injury ranging from latent ischemic focito a massive or even fatal stroke.

Multiple devices are known that attempt to prevent embolization of thecarotid arteries during endovascular and cardiac interventions. Theseanti-embolic devices, however, have not received wide acceptance insurgery of the heart, heart valves and thoracic aorta due to theircomplexity and invasive character with the risk of additional trauma tothe inner vessel wall resulting in a high risk to benefit ratio. Knowndevices require insertion of additional hardware into the arterialsystem or aorta, a procedure that is known by itself to be associatedwith all classical risks of endovascular intervention, including aorticdissection, bleeding, thrombosis, and carotid cerebral embolization andstroke. One known intra-aortic filter device that is inserted into theascending portion of the thoracic aorta via an aortic cannula to capturepotential embolic material released from the heart and aortic wallduring heart surgery was found to be quite difficult to implement andwas reported to be associated with major trauma to aortic wall and acuteaortic dissection.

Another such device for preventing emboli into the cerebral circulationincludes a porous deflector/intra-aortic shield that captures or divertspotential emboli into the distal vasculature. A yet additional devicehas also been proposed for use during aortic valve surgery and is anintra-aortic filter catheter that captures emboli during this procedure.It has been established that intravascular filters are not able tocapture emboli smaller than the pore size of the available devices(currently 60-140 μm) resulting in cerebral microembolization.Embolization may also occur due to poor apposition of the filter to theaortic or carotid arterial wall.

Furthermore, the placement of the filter by itself may produce cerebralemboli. For example, the mere passing of a guide wire into a carotidartery generates approximately 40,000 microemboli, with a significantpercentage of small, less than 60 μm, particles that are not retained bystandard filters. Therefore, in spite of multiple innovations in thefield of anti-embolic devices, the problem of cerebral emboli and strokeduring cardiovascular surgery is far from being resolved.

It is known to use balloon occlusion catheters for the prevention ofembolic stroke. In this regard, the balloon occlusion catheter is placedinside of one of the carotid arteries when a procedure, for examplecarotid angioplasty and stenting, is conducted on the carotid artery inquestion. Although capable of preventing stroke when a single carotidartery is operated upon, this device cannot work to prevent strokeduring procedures on the heart and aorta, endovascular or open, andcannot provide for bilateral occlusion. This device cannotsimultaneously occlude both the left and right carotid arteries toprevent flow simultaneously through both of these arteries, and thuscannot prevent stroke should emboli flow into the non-blocked carotidartery.

Further, known endovascular carotid occluding devices require a guidewire to be inserted into the carotid arterial system. This procedure byitself is known to induce carotid trauma and cause the formation ofcerebral emboli and resultant stroke. Still additionally, priorendovascular carotid occluding devices are not capable of reducingarterial flow through both right and left vertebral arteries, either atthe same time or individually. This deficiency may allow emboli to entervertebrobasilar circulation and cause stroke. As such, there remainsroom for variation and improvement within the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, whichmakes reference to the appended Figs. in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a patient with emboli in the heart andascending thoracic aorta with subsequent propagation of emboli into bothcarotid arteries with the source of emboli being diseased aorta, aorticvalve and the heart.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the patient with an occluding catheter in adeflated state positioned within the circulatory system of the patient.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the patient of FIG. 2 with the occludingcatheter in an inflated state.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the patient of FIG. 3 that shows thedivergence of emboli.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an occluding catheter in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment in an inflated state.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the occluding catheter of FIG. 2 in aninflated state and with a section cut away to view interior portions.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the patient with an inflated occludingcatheter in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the patient with an inflated occludingcatheter and an alarm system in accordance with a further exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the patient with a deflated occludingcatheter introduced through the arteries of the right arm in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the patient with the occluding catheter ofFIG. 13 in an inflated state.

FIG. 15 is a front view of the patient with the occluding catheter ofFIG. 13 in an inflated state but introduced instead through a leftsubclavian artery in accordance with a still further exemplaryembodiment.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and notmeant as a limitation of the invention. For example, featuresillustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used withanother embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intendedthat the present invention include these and other modifications andvariations.

It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include allranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all rangesmentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentionedranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned hereininclude all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance,a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to4.5.

The present invention provides for an occluding catheter 37 that may beintroduced into the circulatory system of a patient in order to preventemboli 28 from entering the carotid arteries 26R, 26L and causingstroke. The occluding catheter 37 may be arranged so that has oneoccluding balloon 38, or a pair of occluding balloons 38 and 42, orthree or more occluding balloons in accordance with different exemplaryembodiments. The occluding catheter 37 can be positioned within thecirculatory system in a deflated state. When needed, the occludingcatheter 37 can be inflated in order to block blood flow through thecarotid arteries 26R, 26L and hence prevent emboli 28 from flowingthrough the carotid arteries 26R, 26L and into cerebral circulation. Theoccluding catheter 37 can be equipped with the capability of employing aguide wire 100 and with the ability to measure pressure downstream inone or more arteries of the patient to ensure proper blockage. If neededor desired, flow may be blocked through both vertebral arteries. Anassociated method for preventing emboli 28 from entering cerebralcirculation is also provided.

With reference to FIG. 1, a front view of a patient is shown in whichemboli 28 are transferred from the aortic arch 22 into the carotidarteries 26R, 26L. The emboli 27 that are present in the carotidarteries 26R, 26L can then be transferred into the cerebral circulationcausing stroke of the patient. The emboli 27 may be fragments ofatherosclerotic plaque 29 of the ascending aorta 36 that becomedislodged during manipulation of the ascending thoracic aorta 36. Alsoshown in FIG. 1 is calcification of the aortic valve 25 and intracardiacemboli 30 of the heart 21 that can also be the origin of emboli 27eventually present in the carotid arteries 26R, 26L. The intracardiacemboli 30 may include air, gas, thrombi and atherosclerotic materials.Although all of the various emboli in the heart 21, aortic arch 22,ascending aorta 36, and aortic valve 25 need not be present in allinstances, they are all shown in FIG. 1 for sake of example. Trauma tothe heart 21, aortic valve 25 and aortic structures during placement andremoval of items such as aortic clamps and electrophysiologicalinstruments, along with manipulations such as coronary artery bypassgrafting, aortic and mitral valve replacement, catheter ablation,endovascular grafting of the aorta 22, balloon valvuloplastypercutaneous implantation of the aortic or mitrel valves, endovascularmanipulations on the aorta 22, aortic branches and the heart 21 may giverise to the presence of emboli 27 in the carotid arteries 26R, 26L.Critical moments of the aforementioned procedures (for example duringthe aortic cross clamp manipulation, percutaneous aortic and mitralvalvuloplasty or valve implantation, coronary interventions,endovascular grafting of the aorta 22 and its branches, and endovascularprocedures on the aorta 22) may cause emboli 27 to form and cause strokeand are referred to as “emboligenic” events.

FIG. 2 discloses an occluding catheter 37 positioned within thecirculatory system of the patient. The occluding catheter 37 isintroduced through a right subclavian artery 23R and has a shaft 104with a proximal end 106 located outside of the patient, and a distal end108 positioned within the left carotid artery 26L. The occludingcatheter 37 has a proximal occluding balloon 38 located closer to thehealth care provider and thus closer to the proximal end 106 than adistal occluding balloon 42 which is farther away from the health careprovider and thus closer to the distal end 108. The proximal occludingballoon 38 may be located within an innominate artery 41 of the patient.The occluding catheter 37 can be arranged as shown in FIG. 2 so that noportion of it is located within the right carotid artery 26R. In otherexemplary embodiments, some portion of the occluding catheter 37 may belocated within the right carotid artery 26R. A segment 44 of the shaft104 that is located between the proximal and distal occluding balloons38, 42 may be located in the aortic arch 22.

The occluding catheter 37 may be inserted into the right subclavianartery 23R via right radial, brachial, axillary or subclavian arteryapproach and can be advanced under fluoroscopic and arterial bloodpressure guidance into the innominate artery 41, aortic arch 22 andfinally into the left carotid artery 26L. The ideal position of theproximal tip of the distal occluding balloon 42 may be in the proximalsegment of the left carotid artery 26L, whereas the proximal occludingballoon 38 may reach the level of the innominate artery 41.

The insertion of the occluding catheter 37 may be performed when boththe proximal 38 and distal 42 occluding balloons are deflated. However,once the distal occluding balloon 42 reaches the level of the aorticarch 22 it can be inflated to facilitate its advancement into the leftcarotid artery 26L. The inflated distal occluding balloon 42 is thusnaturally propelled forward into the left carotid artery 26L by arterialblood flow. The adequacy of the position of the distal occluding balloon42 is confirmed with fluoroscopy and, if desired, by appearance of thedampened arterial pressure recorded from the end pressure measurementchannel 70 through the end pressure measurement port 50 with its distaltip opening 56 located distal from the tip of the distal occludingballoon 42 downstream from the area of occlusion of the left carotidartery 26L.

Once an adequate position of the distal occluding balloon 42 in the leftcarotid artery 26L is achieved it may be deflated. A normal arterialblood pressure waveform as recorded from the distal tip opening 56should reappear to confirm adequate perfusion via the left carotidartery 26L.

Correct placement of the distal occluding balloon 42 within the leftcarotid artery 26L may result in correct placement of the proximaloccluding balloon 38 within the innominate artery 41. This is achievedby choosing an occluding catheter 37 with the longitudinal length ofsegment 44 between proximal and distal occluding balloons 38, 42 to beslightly larger than the distance between the left carotid artery 26Land innominate artery 41 as estimated by preoperative CT scan. Accordingto some measurements, an optimal length of segment 44 should be 2-6 cmlonger than the distance between the innominate artery 41 and the leftcarotid artery 26L to allow for a smooth turn of the inter-balloonportion of the occluding catheter 37 within the aortic arch 22.Considering the fact that the average distance between the orifices ofthe innominate artery 41 and left carotid artery 26L in the normalaortic arch 22 configuration is from 0.5-1.0 cm, the length of segment44 between the distal and proximal occluding balloons 38 and 42 shouldlie within the range between 3 and 8 cm. Therefore, in practice severaldifferent sizes of the occluding catheter 37 can be constructed wherethe length of the segment 44 between the proximal 38 and distal 42occluding balloons vary from 3 to 12 cm. The diameter, volume and lengthof the occluding balloons 38, 42 may also vary according to thepatient's anatomy with the proximal occluding balloon 38 being 50-100%longer and larger than its distal 42 counterpart. The length of segment44 may be selected so that the proximal occluding balloon 38 is locatedwithin the innominate artery 41 at the same time that the distaloccluding balloon 42 is located within the left carotid artery 26L.

The next step in the method of using the occluding catheter 37 may bethe inflation of the proximal occluding balloon 38 in the lumen of theinnominate artery 41 and the recording of post-occlusion pressure in thedistal innominate artery 41. This pressure may be recorded via anopening 54 of the shaft 104 located downstream from the proximaloccluding balloon 38 in the direction of arterial blood flow. Anintermediate pressure measurement channel 74 is in communication withthe opening 54 and with an intermediate pressure measurement port 52 atthe proximal end 106. This port 52 can be used to confirm an adequateposition of the proximal occluding balloon 38 by the appearance of thedampened waveform. Once the pressure measurement indicates that theproximal occluding balloon 38 is properly positioned, the proximaloccluding balloon 38 can be deflated and the occluding catheter 37 isconsidered ready for use. The interruption of carotid flow or pulse maybe assessed by angiography, carotid Doppler, or arterial pressure andwaveform patterns distal to the level of occlusion in accordance withcertain exemplary embodiments. In addition, percutaneous cerebraloximetery, electroencephalography and transcranial Doppler monitoringcan be applied. In other arrangements, it may not be the case that thismonitoring is applied in order to confirm positioning of the proximaland distal occluding balloons 38, 42.

The proximal and distal occluding balloons 38, 42 may be inflated suchthat they are both inflated at the same time as shown with reference toFIG. 3. Simultaneous inflation may lead to temporary interruption of thecarotid arterial flow, preventing all potential emboli 28, released dueto manipulations on atherosclerotic calcified plaques 29 of theascending aorta 36 (or from other such emboligenic events) from enteringthe cerebral circulation, and diverging them downstream from thecerebral circulation into the descending aorta 24, thus protecting thepatient from embolic stroke. The occluding balloons 38, 42 may beinflated to such a pressure and be of such a resiliency that theycompletely block any blood flow past them and through the particularartery or arteries into which they are positioned. However, it is to beunderstood that other arrangements are possible in which some amount ofblood may flow past the proximal occluding balloon 38 and/or the distaloccluding balloon 42.

FIG. 4 illustrates the flow of blood in the circulatory system uponinflation of the proximal and distal occluding balloons 38 and 42.Temporary interruption of flow at the level of the proximal carotidarteries 26R, 26L leads to divergence of blood flow 35 carrying allpotential cerebral emboli 28 into the descending aorta 24. Emboli 28diverted from cerebral circulation move through the descending aorta 24.The proximal occluding balloon 38 may completely block the innominateartery 41 so that no blood flow or emboli 28 may be transferred throughthe right carotid artery 26L and the right subclavian artery 23R. Theposition of the proximal occluding balloon 38 can be made so that it isright at the bifurcation of the innominate artery 41 in order tocompletely occlude the orifice of the right carotid 26R and rightsubclavian 23R arteries at the same time.

Both distal and proximal occluding balloons 38, 42 are inflated justbefore proceeding with the part of the procedure prone to generatecerebral emboli 27. This may be the placement or removal of an aorticcross clamp, implantation of valves, endovascular grafts and stents, orother procedures outlined above. The balloon pressure required tocompletely interrupt flow in carotid arteries 26R, 26L at this point ofintervention is usually significantly less and rarely exceed 50 mm ofmercury. This consideration is based on the fact that the physician maybring the systemic perfusion pressure of the patient to minimal levelsat this particular time of the procedure that involves the emboligenicevent. Therefore, the occluding balloon 38, 42 pressure required toocclude carotid arteries 26R, 16L at this short period of time can besignificantly lower and less damaging to the carotid arterial walls 26R,26L.

Inflation of the occluding balloons 38, 42 can be such that they areinflated to a pressure exceeding the patient's systemic pressure by10-20 mm Hg or more just before proceeding with the emboligenic part ofthe procedure. Adequate occlusion of the carotid arteries 26R and 26Lwill lead to a known phenomenon of a temporary reduction of flow throughvertebral arteries leading to additional divergence of blood and emboli28 away from both vertebral arteries. This will decrease the risk ofstroke in vertebro-basilar circulation. Insertion of the occludingcatheter 37 through the right side and inflation of the proximaloccluding balloon 38 at the level of the innominate artery 41 maypreclude entrance of emboli 28 into the right subclavian artery 23R andright vertebral arterial system. Insertion of the occluding catheter 37through the left side of the patient may cause the proximal occludingballoon 38 to be at the level of the left subclavian artery 23L topreclude entrance of emboli into the left subclavian artery 23L and leftvertebral arteries, and the distal balloon 32 to be at the level of theinnominate artery 41, to preclude entrance of emboli into the rightcarotid 26R, right subclavian 23R and right vertebral arteries, furtherreducing the risk of embolic stroke.

The distal and proximal occluding balloons 38, 42 may be deflated 30-90seconds after this part of the procedure is completed to achievecomplete washout of all potential emboli 28 into the descending aorta 24and distal vasculature, while avoiding migration of emboli 28 into thecarotid arteries 26R and 26L. This timing, however, can be eithershortened or extended depending on multiple factors that comprise thetiming of embolic events, their intensity and the degree of patient'stolerance to transient interruption of cerebral flow such as the degreeof hypothermia and the condition of the collateral cerebral flow asmeasured by EEG, transcranial Doppler, or other means.

The length of most manipulations associated with a transgression ofemboli into cerebral circulation rarely exceed 1-2 minutes. Temporaryinterruption of the carotid flow for this period of time, plus 0.5-1.5min to allow for complete washout of emboli 28 from the aorta 22 iscompletely safe and feasible.

Partial deflation of the balloons 38, 42 may provide necessary bloodflow to the brain while still decreasing the degree of cerebralembolization. The technology will allow one to extend the length ofcerebral protection from embolic stroke while assuring cerebralperfusion.

Once the emboligenic procedure is completed both occluding balloons 38and 42 may be deflated. Optionally, repeating the whole process ofcerebral protection may be conducted if desired once a 5-10 min periodof cerebral reperfusion is reached. The procedure can be repeated at anytime of surgery and on multiple occasions when the emboligenicintervention is anticipated. Upon completion of the main surgicalprocedure, the occluding catheter 37 can be completely removed or pulledback completely into the right subclavian artery 23R for later removal.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the occluding catheter37 as being a 3-lumen, 2-balloon catheter 37. The occluding catheter 37includes a shaft 104 that may have an outer circumference that iscircular in cross-sectional shape. However, other cross-sectional shapesof the outer circumference are possible in accordance with otherexemplary embodiments. Ports 46, 48 and 50 may have openings at theirextreme proximal ends to allow for communication with their respectivechannels 68, 70, 72 and can have fittings configure to receive inflationsyringes, pressure measurement devices, guide wires 100 or othercomponents. Channels 68, 70, and 72 have circular cross-sectional shapesand are all the same diameter. However, in other arrangements thecross-sectional shapes may be different and their diameters can bevariously sized such that they are not the same size as one another.

The channels 68, 70 and 72 are not in fluid communication with oneanother. The proximal and distal occluding balloons 38, 42 may beinflated separately from one another such that one is inflated beforeanother one, or such that both inflate simultaneously. Pressure ofinflation supplied by a pressure supply 126 may be to a degree greaterthan the patient's systemic arterial pressure. The pressure inside theoccluding balloons 38, 42 may exceed only minimally the patient'ssystemic and carotid arterial 26R, 26L pressures with the goal toachieve complete interruption of the antegrade carotid flow withoutundue trauma to these vessels 26R, 26L.

Proximal occluding balloon inflation port 46 is in fluid communicationwith the proximal occluding balloon channel 68. The channel 68 mayterminate at the proximal occluding balloon 38 and may not extend pastthe proximal occluding balloon 38 in the distal direction. One or moreopenings 58 may extend through the shaft 104 in order to place thechannel 68 into fluid communication with the interior of the proximaloccluding balloon 38. Fluid pressure supplied by a syringe or othersource may be introduced through port 46, channel 68 and out of opening58 in order to inflate the proximal occluding balloon 38 to its inflatedstate.

The proximal occluding balloon 38 may be connected on its distal andproximal ends to the shaft 104 and inflation pressure will cause theproximal occluding balloon 38 to expand so as to have a circularcross-sectional shape. The proximal occluding balloon 38 may have othercross-sectional shapes in other exemplary embodiments such as oval orelliptical. The occluding balloon 38 may be variously shaped and sizedin accordance with different exemplary embodiments. The proximaloccluding balloon 38 may be coaxial with the shaft 104. In accordancewith various embodiments, the proximal occluding balloon 38 may becoaxial with the channel 70, 72 or 68. In other embodiments the proximaloccluding balloon 38 is not coaxial with the shaft 104 or any of thechannels 70, 72 or 68.

The shaft 104 continues in the distal direction past the proximaloccluding balloon 38 but only channels 70 and 72 are present past theproximal occluding balloon 38. The distal occluding balloon 42 islocated at the distal end 108 of the shaft such that a segment 44 of theshaft 104 is present between the occluding balloons 38, 42 to space themfrom one another. The distal occluding balloon channel 72 extends fromthe distal occluding balloon inflation port 48 and terminates at anopening 60 of shaft 104. The distal occluding balloon 42 is attached atits proximal and distal ends to the shaft 104 and is inflated viapressure supplied through port 48, channel 72 and out of opening 60. Asingle opening 60 may be present, or a plurality of openings 60 may bepresent through which pressure can be supplied to inflate the distaloccluding balloon 42. The distal occluding balloon 42 may have acircular cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional shapesare possible in other exemplary embodiments. The longitudinal length ofthe distal occluding balloon 42 may be less than that of the proximaloccluding balloon 38. However, their longitudinal lengths may be thesame in other arrangements, or in yet further designs the longitudinallength of the proximal occluding balloon 38 is less than thelongitudinal length of the distal occluding balloon 42. The distaloccluding balloon 42 may be coaxial with the shaft 104 in certainarrangements, and in other arrangements may be coaxial with channels 70or 72. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the distal occluding balloon42 is not coaxial with shaft 104 and is not coaxial with channels 70 or72.

The diameter 112 of the distal occluding balloon 42 is less than thediameter 110 of the proximal occluding balloon 38. In other exemplaryembodiments diameter 110 may be less than diameter 112, or the diameters110 and 112 may be equal to one another. The diameters 110 and 112 maybe the same along the entire longitudinal lengths of the occludingballoons 38, 42, or the diameters 110 and 112 may be different atdifferent points along the longitudinal lengths of the occludingballoons 110 and 112. The diameters 110 and 112 and cross-sectionalshapes of the proximal and distal occluding balloons 38, 42 aredescribed when outside of the body of the patient.

The distal occluding balloon channel 72 may terminate proximal to thedistal end of the distal occluding balloon 42. Only the end pressuremeasurement channel 70 may extend distally beyond the distal occludingballoon 42. The distal tip of the shaft 104 terminates at a distal tipopening 56 at its terminal distal end. The shaft 104 extends beyond thedistal occluding balloon 42, but in other arrangements, the distaloccluding balloon 42 in the inflated state may extend beyond theterminal distal end of the shaft 104 in the distal direction. The endpressure measurement port 50 can be in communication with the endpressure measurement channel 70 that in turn terminates at the distaltip opening 56. The channel 70 in other arrangements may be in fluidcommunication with one or both channels 68 and 72. Likewise, in yetother exemplary embodiments, channel 70 is not in fluid communicationwith channels 68 and 72, but channels 68 and 72 are in fluidcommunication with one another so that the proximal and distal occludingballoons 38, 42 inflate and deflate with one another. Distal tip opening56 may be used for pressure measurements distal to the distal occludingballoon 42.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative exemplary embodiment of theoccluding catheter 37 that is a four-channel version of the occludingcatheter 37. Intermediate pressure measurement channel 74 extends froman intermediate pressure measurement port 52 to an opening 54 of theshaft 104. Opening 54 is located proximal to the proximal occludingballoon 38. The intermediate pressure measurement channel 74 is not influid communication with the other channels 68, 70 and 72 of theoccluding catheter 37. The intermediate pressure measurement channel 74may terminate proximal to the proximal occluding balloon 38. The othercomponents of the occluding catheter 37 are the same as described aboveand their description need not be repeated. A manometer may be connectedto the intermediate pressure measurement port 52 to allow recording ofblood pressure from the opening 54. If the proximal occluding balloon 38is located within the innominate artery 41, the opening 54 may be usedto detect the dampening of the arterial pressure in the innominate 41and right carotid artery 26R, after proximal occluding balloon 38inflation, confirming adequacy of the flow interruption to the rightcarotid 26R and subclavian arteries 23R.

In another embodiment bilateral carotid 23R and 23L flow interruptioncan be achieved by creating a single occluding balloon 38. FIG. 11 showsone exemplary embodiment with a single occluding balloon 38. Theoccluding balloon 38 may extend throughout the whole distance betweenthe bifurcation of the innominate artery 41 and the main trunk of theleft carotid artery 26L. The single occluding balloon 38 may be longerthan both the proximal occluding balloon 38 and distal occluding balloon42 combined (as described in previous exemplary embodiments), with itslength being in the range between 6 and 14 cm. When described as asingle occluding balloon 38, it is to be understood that completeblockage of flow through the right and left carotid arteries 26R and 26Lmay be achieved by the single occluding balloon 38 without the use ofany other occluding balloons, or without even the presence of anotheroccluding balloon 38 carried by the occluding catheter 37.

The occluding balloon 38 may be constructed so that it has a proximalportion 116, designated to occlude the innominate artery 41, which islarger than a distal portion 118 of the occluding balloon 38 to assureadequate occlusion of the innominate artery 41. Generally, theinnominate artery 41 is at least twice as large as the left carotidartery 26L. The single occluding balloon 38 may thus have a proximalportion 118 with a larger diameter than the diameter of the distalportion 118 of the single occluding balloon 38. These differences indiameters/sizes would be present when the single occluding balloon 38 isinflated without being inside of the patient. The other option involvesthe single occluding balloon 38 being a large volume, highly compliantoccluding balloon that does not have any disparity in the diameters/sizeof the proximal portion 116 and distal portion 118 when inflated and notinside of the patient. Once inflated inside of the patient and presentedwith arteries of different sizes, the proximal and distal portions 116,118 of the highly compliant occluding balloon 38 expand as necessary forcomplete occlusion of arteries 41 and 26L at minimal pressures andwithout significant compression of the arterial walls 41, 26L. Thesingle occluding balloon 38 thus expands as necessary to fill the spacerequired for occlusion as it is a very flexible member in construction.

In order to facilitate the advancement of the occluding catheter 37 inpatients with difficult anatomy, a guide wire 100 may be used in one ofthe channels 70 or 74. With reference to FIG. 12, the guide wire 100need not be used. Here, the shaft 104 is highly compliant and there is anarrow waist that makes up segment 44. The occluding catheter 37includes a pair of occluding balloons 38, 42 and segment 44 in themiddle of these occluding balloons 38, 42 improves flexibility of theoccluding catheter 37. As previously described, separate occludingballoon channels 68 and 72 can be used for separate inflation of theproximal and distal occluding balloons 38 and 42. This allows forselective control of the occlusion of the left carotid artery 26L andinnominate arteries 41.

The pair of occluding balloons 38, 42 in FIG. 12 may be rearranged sothat they are only a single occluding balloon 38. In this regard, thesingle occluding balloon 38 will have a proximal portion 116 and adistal portion 118 separated by one another by segment 44 that is notcapable of being inflated. A single occluding balloon channel 68 can beused to inflate both the proximal and distal portions 116, 118. Althougha single occluding balloon 38 is present, it is divided into two or moreportions via uninflated segments such as segment 44 or by various otherbands or waists that effect division. Segment 44, when effectingseparation of proximal and distal portions 116, 118, achieves betterflexibility of the occluding catheter 37 at the level between the twoportions 116, 118. This option may allow for an easier passage of theoccluding catheter 37 in case of a sharp angle between the innominateartery 41 and left carotid artery 26L. If a pair of occluding balloons38, 42 are employed the same goal may be achieved by the segment 44.Measurement of arterial pressure and assessing the pressure waveform viathe openings 54, 56 before and after inflation will allow confirmationof the adequacy of the flow interruption in the carotid arteries 26L and26R.

A manometer 124 may be in communication with the end pressuremeasurement port 50 and the intermediate pressure measurement port 52 tomeasure pressures at the opening of the shaft 54 (downstream from theproximal occluding balloon 38 in the innominate artery 41 or rightsubclavian artery 23R) and at the distal tip opening of the shaft 56(downstream from the distal occluding balloon 42 in the left carotidartery 26L). A pressure supply 126 is in communication with the proximaloccluding balloon inflation port 46 and the distal occluding ballooninflation port 48 to provide inflation pressure for the occludingcatheter 37. An alarm system 114 is in communication with the pressuresupply 126 and manometer 124. Should the physician or physician'sassistant forget to deflate the occluding balloons 38, 42 in a timelyfashion, an alarm would go off and the occluding balloons 38, 42 woulddeflate spontaneously to avoid undue interruption of the cerebral flow.The alarm could be also triggered by the occurrence of emboli 27detected by transcranial Doppler 122 (also in communication with thealarm system 114) or any other means, thus indicating an urgent need fortemporary occlusion of the cerebral flow. Here, the alarm system 114will cause inflation of the occluding balloons 38, 42. The alarm system114 along with deflation or inflation of the occluding balloons 38, 42could be overridden by the physician when clinically indicated.

Another exemplary embodiment of the occluding catheter 37 is shown inFIGS. 13 and 14. This embodiment achieves a temporary interruption ofcerebral arterial inflow without placing the occluding catheter 37 intocarotid arteries 26L and 26R by creating a single occluding balloon 38extending the distance between the bifurcation of the innominate artery41 and the orifice 98 of a left subclavian artery 23L. The singleoccluding balloon 38 may be provided so that no other occludingballoons, and in some instances no other balloons at all, are present onthe occluding catheter 37.

When inflated, the occluding balloon 38 will effectively occlude theorifice of the right subclavlan artery 96, the orifice of the rightcarotid artery 94, the orifice of the left carotid artery 92, and theorifice of the left subclavian artery 98 which are all branches of theaortic arch 22. This inflation will block flow into the brain byblocking flow through the right and left carotid arteries 26R and 26Land through both the right subclavian and left subclavian arteries 23Rand 23L and, therefore, both right and left vertebral arteries. Theoccluding catheter 37 in this arrangement achieves complete avoidance ofany manipulations on the carotid arteries 26R and 26L, thus eliminatingthe risk of induced injury or emboli 28, leading to stroke, problemsthat are known to occur in the prior art devices. As shown, theoccluding balloon 38 is not located within the right or left carotidarteries 26R, 26L when inflated. The occluding balloon 38 may also notbe located within the right subclavian artery 23R when inflated in someembodiments.

The occluding catheter 37 may be inserted via the peripheral artery ofthe right or left arm. FIGS. 13 and 14 show introduction through theright arm for vascular access. A guide wire 100 may first be passed viathe brachial artery and advanced first into the innominate artery 41,then the aortic arch 22, and finally into the left subclavian artery23L. The occluding catheter 37 will be next advanced over the guide wire100 and consequently first into the innominate artery 41, then theaortic arch 22 and finally into the left subclavian artery 23L. Theoccluding balloon 38 extends from the level of the innominate artery 41to the level of the left subclavian artery 23L.

The left arm is used for insertion as shown in FIG. 15. The occludingcatheter 37 is first advanced into the left subclavian artery 23L, thenthe aortic arch 22, and then into the innominate artery 41 and rightsubclavian 23R artery. The occluding balloon 38 extends through thewhole distance between the left and right subclavian arteries 23L, 23R.Inflation of the occluding balloon 38 occludes the orifices 96, 94, 92,and 98 to completely prevent the emboli 28 from entering cerebralcirculation via all potential ways of arterial inflow. Pressure in theright subclavian artery 23R may be measured using the distal tip opening56, and opening of the shaft 54 can be used to measure blood pressure inthe left subclavian artery 23L.

Although the occluding balloon 38 is a single occluding balloonintroduced through the left arm of the patient in FIG. 15, should theoccluding catheter 37 include proximal and distal occluding balloons 38,42 and be desired for insertion through the left arm the relativeoccluding balloon 38, 42 sizes may be varied. For example, the distaloccluding balloon 42 may be larger in diameter 112 than the diameter 110of the proximal occluding balloon 38. The distal occluding balloon 42when inflated may block flow through the innominate artery 41, and theproximal occluding balloon 38 would block flow through the left carotidartery 26L. The segment 44 would be between the balloons 38, 42 andwould be located in the aortic arch 22. The proximal portion of theoccluding catheter 37 may be located within the left subclavian artery23L. Placement may be effected by first inflating the distal occludingballoon 42 to allow arterial blood flow to naturally pull it into theinnominate artery 41. The distal occluding balloon 42 may be deflated toallow for determination of the positioning of the occluding catheter 37.The proximal occluding balloon 38 may be inflated to determine itspositioning as it may block flow through both the left carotid artery26L and the left subclavian artery 23L.

Although described as blocking flow through both of the carotid arteries26R and 26L, it is to be understood that only one of the carotidarteries 26R or 26L may be blocked in certain arrangements and uses ofthe occluding catheter 37.

The size and shape of the occluding balloon 28 can vary depending on thepatient's anatomy and the size of the arteries discussed herein. Forthis purpose it may be the case that low pressure, highly compliantoccluding balloons 38 of conical and ovoid shape are used with largercentral segments corresponding to the patient's innominate artery 41,and aortic arch 22, and the narrower peripheral segments correspondingto the level of right and left subclavian arteries 23R and 23L. Thelarge segment of the occluding balloon 38 should be large enough toocclude the innominate artery 41 and the orifice 92 of the left carotidartery 23L, but not too large to compromise the lumen of the aortic arch22. It may be made sufficiently compliant to assure slight herniationinto the orifices 96, 94, 92 and 98 during inflation. Thus in somearrangements, the occluding balloon 38 may extend into any one of or allof the arteries 23R, 26R, 26L and 23L.

The diameter 120 of the aortic arch 22 is larger than the diameter 110of the occluding balloon 38 when the occluding balloon 38 is inside ofaortic arch 22 and is inflated. This arrangement will block blood flawthrough the carotid arteries 26R, 26L but will allow for divergence ofblood flow carrying the emboli 28 into the distal aorta 24 and away fromthe cerebral circulation. The maximal diameter 110 of this segment ofthe occluding balloon 38 within the aortic arch 22 may not exceed 60-70%of the diameter 120 of the aortic arch 22. In other arrangements, thediameter 110 within the aortic arch 22 may be up to 25%, up to 35%, 50%,or up to 60% of the diameter 120.

Although described as preventing emboli 28 from flowing through thecarotid arteries 26R, 26L, the occluding catheter 37 may also be used toprevent emboli 28 from flowing through the right subclavian artery 23Rand/or the left subclavian artery 23L. This prevention may be inaddition to or alternatively to prevention of flow through the carotidarteries 26R and/or 26L.

The occluding catheter 37 may be wireless in that it can be placedwithin the patient without the use of a guide wire 100. When providedwith a pair of occluding balloons 38 and 42, the distal occludingballoon 42 may be referred to as a “floating” balloon to allow forwireless catherization of the aortic arch 22 branches. The distaloccluding balloon 42 may be fully or partially inflated and through thesize of the fully or partially distal occluding balloon 42 will bepropelled into one of the branches 23L, 26L, 41 of the aortic arch 22while the occluding catheter 37 is gently advanced or pulled back(manipulated) until it reaches the target artery. The desired locationof the distal occluding balloon 42 may be the left carotid artery 26L orleft subclavian artery 23L if the occluding catheter 37 is inserted viathe right arm of the patient. The desired location of the distaloccluding balloon 42 may be the right subclavian artery 23R, theInnominate artery 41, or the right carotid artery 26R if the occludingballoon 42 is inserted via the left arm of the patient. In otherarrangements, when a single occluding balloon 38 is used instead of adistal occluding balloon 42 and a proximal occluding balloon 38, thesingle occluding balloon 38 may also be drawn into one of theaforementioned branches of the aortic arch 22 via natural blood flowpulling and be a wireless placement.

The occluding balloon 38, or the proximal occluding balloon 38 anddistal occluding balloon 42 when two are present, and the shaft 104 arearranged so that when inflated all of the blood into the artery inquestion (23L, 26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41) is blocked. In this regard, noblood flows past the inflated balloon 38 or 38, 42 or the shaft 104.Blood does not flow through any channel or any portion of the shaft 104into any of the arteries 23L, 26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41. The arteries 23L,26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41 may be completely prevented from having bloodflowing through them as per the arrangement of all portions of theoccluding catheter 37. The segment 44 may be arranged so that access toan inner channel of the shaft 104 is not possible. In this regard, thesegment 44 may be solid and capable of blocking blood flow such that noblood enters segment 44 when the occluding balloons 38 and 42 areinflated and are located in the patient. The shaft 104 is arranged sothat blood does not flow from the aortic arch 22 into the shaft when theoccluding catheter 37 is oriented in the patient and used to reduceemboli 28 through the carotid arteries 26R, 26L.

In other arrangements, the occluding balloon 38, or proximal occludingballoon 38 and distal occluding balloon 42 when two are present, and theshaft 104 are arranged so that some blood does flow into arteries 23L,26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41. The balloon 38 or 38, 42 can be partiallyinflated but not inflated all the way to seal the arterial wall. Theballoon 38 or 38, 42 can be made so that even if fully inflated it issmall enough not to completely block blood flow to seal the arterialwall. Some amount of blood can in fact flow past the inflated balloon 38or 38, 42 and into the various arteries 23L, 26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41.The blood that flows past is unfiltered blood. Although emboli 28 maystill flow into cerebral circulation and cause stroke, even partialreduction of flow will cause a partial reduction in the chance of strokeor the severity of stroke. The occluding catheter 37 may block from30%-50%, from 50%-70%, from 70%-90% or up to 100% of the blood flow intothe various arteries 23L, 26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41 in accordance withcertain exemplary embodiments. Blood that does flow into the variousarteries 23L, 26L, 26R, 23R and/or 41 comes directly from the aorticarch 22 and is unfiltered. As used herein, the term “occlude” is broadenough to include complete blockage of blood flow and to include partialblockage of blood flow while still allowing some unfiltered blood toflow through. Also, as used herein when referring to a “block” of bloodflow, it is to be understood that this term is broad enough to covercomplete blocking of blood flow and partial blocking of blood flow suchthat some amount of unfiltered blood flows through.

In use, the occluding catheter 37 may be used so that partial inflationor total inflation of the occluding balloons 38 or 38, 42 is made duringa medical procedure to control the blood flow through by reducing therisk of stroke while still allowing blood to enter the cerebralcirculation. When fully inflated to completely block blood flow, theoccluding balloons 38 or 38, 42 are solid components and not filters anddo not filter emboli 28 but rather prevent everything including bloodand emboli 28 from moving therethrough. The occluding balloons 38 or 38,42 and tube sections of the occluding catheter 37 may completely blockblood and emboli 28 from moving through the particular blood vessel suchthat no blood or emboli 28 flows through the tube sections of theoccluding catheter 37 past the occluding balloons 38 or 38, 42. Theoccluding balloons 38 or 38, 42 and the tubular sections of theoccluding catheter 37 located at the blocked area of blood/emboli 28flow when positioned are not porous members and do not filter any blood.However, when the occluding balloons 38 or 38, 42 are deflated,partially deflated, or fully inflated but less than the diameter of thevessel they are in allow blood and emboli 28 to flow around them throughthe particular blood vessel and they are not filtered in any manner,although the flow rate may be decreased due to the presence of theoccluding balloons 38 or 38, 42 and tubular sections of the occludingcatheter 37.

While the present invention has been described in connection withcertain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subjectmatter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limitedto those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for thesubject matter of the invention to include all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit andscope of the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. An occluding catheter for preventing stroke byoccluding blood flow through a right carotid artery and a left carotidartery of a patient, comprising: a shaft that has a proximal end and adistal end; a proximal occluding balloon carried by the shaft, whereinthe proximal occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow throughone of the right carotid artery and the left carotid artery; a distaloccluding balloon carried by the shaft, wherein the distal occludingballoon is inflated to occlude blood flow through one of the rightcarotid artery and the left carotid artery that is not occluded by theproximal occluding balloon; wherein the shaft has a segment that islocated between the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occludingballoon; and an alarm system that activates a pressure supply to theproximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon to causeinflation when microemboli are detected, and wherein the alarm systemdeflates the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloonwhen the proximal and distal occluding balloons remain inflated for acut-off period of time, and wherein the alarm system has a manualoverride to prevent inflation and deflation by the alarm system.
 2. Theoccluding catheter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the proximaloccluding balloon is located within an innominate artery of the patientand completely occludes blood flow through the right carotid artery andthrough a right subclavian artery of the patient, wherein the distaloccluding balloon is located within the left carotid artery andcompletely occludes blood flow through the left carotid artery.
 3. Theoccluding catheter as set forth in claim 2, wherein the proximaloccluding balloon has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of thedistal occluding balloon.
 4. The occluding catheter as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the shaft has a proximal occluding balloon channel thatextends from the proximal occluding balloon to a proximal occludingballoon inflation port located at the proximal end of the shaft, whereinthe shaft has a distal occluding balloon channel that extends from thedistal occluding balloon to a distal occluding balloon inflation portlocated at the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the distal occludingballoon channel and the proximal occluding balloon channel are not influid communication with one another.
 5. The occluding catheter as setforth in claim 1, wherein the shaft has an end pressure measurementchannel that extends from a distal tip opening of the shaft located atthe distal end of the shaft to an end pressure measurement port locatedat the proximal end of the shaft.
 6. The occluding catheter as set forthin claim 5, wherein the distal end is located within the left carotidartery, wherein the distal tip opening is located distally from thedistal occluding balloon.
 7. The occluding catheter as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the shaft has an intermediate pressure measurementchannel that extends from an opening of the shaft located proximal toboth the proximal occluding balloon and the distal occluding balloon toan intermediate pressure measurement port located at the proximal end ofthe shaft.
 8. The occluding catheter as set forth in claim 1, wherein aguide wire is not disposed through any portion of the shaft.
 9. Anoccluding catheter for preventing stroke by occluding blood flow througha right carotid artery and a left carotid artery of a patient,comprising: a shaft that has a proximal end and a distal end; anoccluding balloon carried by the shaft, wherein the occluding balloon isinflated to occlude blood flow through both the right carotid artery andthe left carotid artery; and an alarm system that activates a pressuresupply to the occluding balloon to cause inflation when microemboli aredetected, and wherein the alarm system deflates the occluding balloonwhen the occluding balloon remain inflated for a cut-off period of time,and wherein the alarm system has a manual override to prevent inflationand deflation by the alarm system.
 10. The occluding catheter as setforth in claim 9, wherein the occluding balloon has a proximal portionand a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is larger than thedistal portion, wherein the proximal portion is located within aninnominate artery of the patient and completely occludes blood flowthrough the right carotid artery and through a right subclavian arteryof the patient, wherein the distal portion is located within the leftcarotid artery and completely occludes blood flow through the leftcarotid artery.
 11. The occluding catheter as set forth in claim 9,wherein the shaft has an occluding balloon channel that extends from theoccluding balloon to an occluding balloon inflation port located at theproximal end of the shaft, wherein the shaft has an end pressuremeasurement channel that extends from a distal tip opening of the shaftlocated at the distal end of the shaft to an end pressure measurementport located at the proximal end of the shaft, and wherein the shaft hasan intermediate pressure measurement channel that extends from anopening of the shaft located proximal to both the occluding balloon andthe distal tip opening to an intermediate pressure measurement portlocated at the proximal end of the shaft.
 12. The occluding catheter asset forth in claim 11, further comprising a guide wire that extendsthrough the end pressure measurement port and through the end pressuremeasurement channel and extends out of the distal tip opening.
 13. Theoccluding catheter as set forth in claim 9, wherein the occludingballoon has a segment that is uninflated that separates the occludingballoon into a proximal portion and a distal portion.
 14. The occludingcatheter as set forth in claim 9, wherein the occluding balloon islocated within an aortic arch, a left subclavian artery, and aninnominate artery of the patient, and wherein the occluding balloon isnot located within the left carotid artery of the patient.
 15. Theoccluding catheter as set forth in claim 14, wherein the occludingballoon is not located within the right carotid artery of the patient.16. The occluding catheter as set forth in claim 14, wherein theoccluding balloon has an amount of flexibility and mobility to beadvanced with a forward blood flow into branches of an aortic arch,including a left carotid artery, a right carotid artery, a leftsubclavian artery, a right subclavian artery, and an innominate arteryof the patient to allow for wireless catheterization and occlusion ofsaid arteries.
 17. The occluding catheter as set forth in claim 9,wherein the occlusion that the occluding balloon performs is partialocclusion such that unfiltered blood flows past the inflated occludingballoon and through both the right carotid artery and the left carotidartery.